Hi folks,

I have a 2007 S and installed the minidomore hitch. It works great. I tow 2 shifter karts (about 700 lbs total including trailer). The only problem is that I don't have anywhere to install safety chains. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions? I've thought about having someone weld brackets underneath somewhere. Or, could I put holes in somewhere (I'm nervous about that idea).

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the purchase! Our Drawbar kit is a perfect solution for this. Or, you could have rings welded to your drawbar. This setup meets all DOT and SAE J684 towing requirements and is an easy place to connect the chains without concern for damaging the bumper.

http://www.minidomore.com/mini_coope...rawbar_kit.php

 

That's it! Thanks Brent...I'll order now. I really do like the hitch. It's a quality product.

 

I'm pondering the same question: where to attach safety chains. I may yet get that drawbar with loops - but in the meantime, any thoughts on this idea?

My MCS 2012 has a small area inside each wheel well fiber panel, which has holes in it already. This is visible when laying on your back under the car. I'm thinking of using "Toggler" brand new fangled toggle bolts ( ) with a 1/4 20 eye bolt. There are heavier duty toggle bolts, but the holes aren't big enough. Plus, this claims over 1000lbs installed in cinder block, so it ought to do pretty well installed in steel. Comments? Is this a bad idea for any reason?

I got a two pack of the toggles at Menards for under $10 (perhaps under $5; I forget). Plus a buck each for SS eye bolts.

I guess those holes are outside the fiber wheel well panels; on the inside underside of the car. Clear as mud?

 

Please tell me you are joking.

 

Um, I wasn't (but I ordered the drawbar with loops earlier today, so I *could* pretend that I was joking....). Why would that be a bad idea? The fact that a loose trailer could rip out the bottom of the car did strike me as not too cool, so I ordered the drawbar.

Female --- enlighten me! (gently)

 

That's pretty much the scenario.

Sheet metal is really not designed for taking point loads. If your trailer did break loose, you'd probably see it passing you in the adjacent lane -- trailing the safety chains with the toggle bolts still on the ends. And there would be a couple of jagged holes underneath your MINI, where those toggle bolts used to be (assuming the bolts would even be strong enough to survive the initial pull).

Safety is not an area in which to practice homebrewed engineering. There is a reason the drawbar is DOT approved, and the toggle bolts are not. If you want to hang a potted philodendron over your kitchen sink, the toggle bolt is what you need. If you want to keep your teardrop camper from going rouge and snuffing a church van full of nuns, orphans, and a puppy, stick with the equipment specifically designed to do that.

Male (that's as gentle as I get).

 

Roger. For the puppy's sake, I won't do it that way.

 

Ah yes... Puppy gets 'em every time.



"Pickles" says, "Thank you!"

 

Outstanding exchange of ideas and perspectives. LOL. What would be do without forums like this?

Well done.